Apolipoprotein B-100 (APOB-100)

The apolipoproteins are a structurally-unrelated group of proteins that have some association with the transport of lipids in blood. Apolipoproteins, together with phospholipids, cholesterol and triglycerides, form spherical particles with a lipid/hydrophobic center and a apolipoprotein coat. The apolipoprotein coat promotes aqueous solubility and serves as a ligand for lipoprotein receptors. HDL may contain apolipoproteins A, C, D, E, J, L and M, while LDL contains apolipoproteins B and E. The apolipoprotein B (APOB) is a plasma protein synthesized primarily in the liver and intestine and play an important role in lipid and cholesterol metabolism. The APOB encodes two different isoproteins through mRNA editing, APOB-48 and APOB-100. APOB-48 and APOB-100 is present in both human liver and intestine. APOB-100 is essential for the assembly of VLDL in the liver. APOB-48 is essential for the assembly of chylomicrons in the intestine. It is well established that APOB-100 levels are associated with coronary heart disease.